Lufthansa Technik (LHT) is introducing a ground-breaking method for sanitizing fuel tanks at European Business Aviation Convention & Exhibition (EBACE 2024). This new technique promises more effective and longer-lasting cleaning compared to current methods, and importantly, it is free of chemicals and harmful biocides.
By J Prakash
Microbial contamination, known as biofilm, poses significant risks to aircraft fuel systems and structural integrity by clogging filters and causing corrosion. This issue is particularly problematic for larger business jets that spend long periods on the ground in hot and humid climates.
Typically, fuel system cleaning is done during maintenance layovers. LHT's new procedure, which is awaiting patent approval and certified through their Part 21J Design Organization status, utilizes steam cleaning and vacuum suction to thoroughly remove biofilm, even from hard-to-reach areas like around rivet joints. According to LHT, this method yields far better results than existing biocide-based techniques and exceeds the standards outlined in aircraft maintenance manuals. Additionally, the cleaning effects last significantly longer than current methods.
As part of the process, numerous post-treatment microbial tests are conducted in critical areas of the fuel system. Christian Siry, head of LHT's central materials technologies unit, stated, “Several thousands of filter components have already passed through our fuel forensics unit. Therefore, we have built up comprehensive expertise and a large database of contaminants that arise in jet fuel and its tanks today. We know exactly what to test for.”
Siry further noted that the complete absence of microbes in all treated areas confirms the effectiveness of their new sanitization procedure, offering a real solution to the problem of fuel tank contamination. Looking ahead, LHT hopes this innovation will pave the way for eliminating different other biocide treatments.
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